Once again, we turned to David Bryne's fantastic website Reasons to be Cheerful.  Namely, we delved a list of 192 ways our world changed in a positive way in 2021 (despite it all!).  Check out the full list here.

Listening:
Learners can try their hand at an episode from 6 minute English from the BBC: The Human Library, or Changing the Earth's Climate.

For original version listening try an episode from the podcast To the Best of Our Knowledge, such as The Power of Pleasure and Joy, or In Search of 'Real' Food.

Reading:
Learners can try one of several articles from Words and their Stories from VOA English or an article from Breaking News English about how 2021 was better than 2022.

For original version,  check out the list of the year in cheer and click on one of the articles to learn more about a project that brought about positive change.

Writing:
This week for writing, please write an article about one of the changes you have discovered on the list of positive changes found here.  Why is this change important?

Best,
Kelly

This week we are back to a routine after a relaxing and somewhat unusual holiday!  Don't forget that the new year is a great opportunity to reconnect with your goals for your English.

Listening:
Learners can try a listening comprehension activity (b2 level) about how to market a business.  Or here is another one about advertising for different products.

For original version listening, check out any of the commercials highlighted in last year's Super Bowl.

Reading:
Learners can try a reading comprehension activity from the British Council: Shopping Signs and Adverts (easy) Battle of the Christmas Adverts (intermediate).

For original version, read an article called  Retail Therapy: How Viennese psychologist Ernest Dichter transformed advertising.

Writing:
This week for writing, please write an essay responding to the following prompt: 
 
Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society.
To what extent do you agree with this view?

Best,
Kelly

Happy Holidays, everybody!  This was our last week before the break. I hope you enjoy the weeks off to rest, recoup and reconnect with family and friends.  

Classes start again on Monday January 10th. 

Thanks for a great 2021 and may 2022 be even better! Best,
Kelly

This week, we delved into music, playing Name That Tune and discussing the songs that have influenced us in our lives.

Listening:
Learners can try a listening exercise from British Council about Live music. To try your hand at listening comprehension with music lyrics, I highly recommend LyricsTraining.

For original version listening, there are several podcasts related to music that I recommend: All Songs Considered, Lost Notes, Song Exploder.

Reading:
Learners can try an activity from Breaking News English about Dance Music or Business News Lessons: Music streaming’s diversity problem. 

For original version, try one of the following longform articles: Meet the Shaggs, Billie Eilish and the Triumph of the Weird, The Strange and Mysterious Death of Mrs. Jerry Lee Lewis.

Writing:
This week for writing, please write an ode to your favorite song, artist, or band.  Please be very descriptive about what sets them apart from the rest!

Best,
Kelly